Causes

Acute Injury

LCL injuries are most commonly caused by the knee joint being pushed outwards due to a direct hit to the inside of the knee. These are known as acute injuries. This type of force causes stress and strain on the LCL, as it is located on the outside of the knee. This is often seen in contact sports such as:

Hockey

Football

Rugby

Another typical cause is sharp twisting movements of the knee, which are seen in sports such as:

Downhill Skiing

Soccer

Basketball

Acute injuries to the LCL can also occur during car accidents.

Overuse Injury

Alternatively, LCL injuries can be caused by repetitive motions that lead to degeneration of the tissue over time. These are also known as repetitive strain or overuse injuries and are more likely to affect people that are over the age of 40. As we age, the LCL also loses some of its natural elasticity, making it more prone to injury.